8 Best Adhesive Tape Removers (Review) In 2020

Our top choice is Goo Gone Bandage Adhesive Remover. Goo Gone will painlessly remove tape and adhesive from skin and hair, as advertised on the bottle. This is an 8oz alcohol-free, medical-grade liquid adhesive remover that can be applied directly to the area. As alcohol is irritating and can burn open wounds, Goo Gone endeavored to develop a formula which would be as effective as other adhesive removers, but safer on vulnerable skin. It works on a wide variety of adhesives and materials, including but not limited to the following: sports tape, bandages, temporary tattoos, ink, and markers.

Furthermore, this solution does not need to be applied to the skin to remove adhesive. Let’s say you’ve just used a tape cutter to remove some tape from your bandages and now there’s tape adhesive stuck to the blade. Using Goo Gone’s adhesive remover on the blade will remove the adhesive with minimal to no damage done to the blade! Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best pre-tape sprays.

Skin-Tac makes a strong case for second place with their fifty-pack of Adhesive Remover ‘Tacaway’ Wipes. These compostable wipes remove dirt and grime from the affected area and can be used to clean around your home in a pinch. Skin-tac says that they use their ‘simplest formula’ when making these wipes in order to keep them soft and gentle, so they are suitable for sensitive skin and new-born skin, meaning they are versatile in who can use them.

Being compostable, they are free of parabens, phthalates, bronopol, and methylisothiazolinone. You can dispose of them as you wish, though we do encourage you to take advantage of the fact that they are eco-friendly. Skin-Tac wipes can be used with other products, such as the Goo Gone Bandage Adhesive Remover, or any of the other liquid solutions mentioned on this list. They are a simple, one-step method to remove adhesive from skin and other surfaces. They are particularly useful on tape cutters if your liquid solution is unavailable, or if you’ve spilled something on the kitchen counter, you can grab one quickly and wipe down the counter. Fortunately, there is no sticky residue to deal with, although customers do mention that they have a greasy feel to them.

Cramer comes in third with their ergonomic Shark Tape Cutter. The ergonomic design makes the tape-cutting process feel much smoother than it would be if you used regular old scissors. Instead of awkwardly cutting, you can now glide through the tape. A handheld tape cutter, it is easy to hold with its rubberized grip. This feels comfortable in your hand and will stop you from slipping while using it. Users have noted that this gives you better control and comfort over standard tape cutters.

Being an updated version of previous models, this allows for better leverage when removing or holding onto tight tape and provides improved durability for the fact. You can hold things in place while getting to grips with your bandage and tape situation, while also avoiding the typical ‘sawing’ sensation you would get with scissors. Users love it because, unlike with scissors, the blade will not become ‘gummed up’ with tape adhesive. If it does, however, get adhesive on it, it is easy to remove. Furthermore, this has a breathable design, is washable, and comes with a box. Only the one blade comes in the package, although replacement blades can be purchased separately. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best anti-chafing creams.

Hollister comes in at our fourth spot with a pack of fifty Universal Remover Wipes for adhesive and barriers. These handy adhesive remover wipes are made with a silicone-based formula which is hypoallergenic, which makes it skin-friendly. There isn’t too much of a smell, although users have commented that after a while one is noticeable. Hollister is aware that peristomal skincare can be a challenge due to the surrounding area being vulnerable, so their formula takes advantage of silicone’s ability to maintain dermal integrity.

The wipes are easy to use, they are quite self-explanatory. Several users, who happen to be bearded men, have differing opinions on how these wipes handle facial hair. Some have no issue while others find that residue ends up in their beard hair. However, when compared to other brands, Hollister’s adhesive removal wipes have fewer complaints of gooey residue. However, some users with sensitive skin have pointed out that the fabric of the wipes themselves can be irritating. Most customers, however, have not experienced anything like this, but one did comment that it could be a reaction to use in conjunction with another product. Should this be the case with you, stop using them for a while, or switch to a different wipe.

Micro-Scientific Goo Gone Topical Adhesive Remover is also a medical grade and safe for everyday use. It is a citrus-scented liquid and formulated to painlessly remove tape and bandages. Adhesive and medical tapes are removed quickly and effortlessly, with no damage to the surrounding skin; the non-alcoholic formula will not sting if you are using this topical solution on an open wound. Additionally, it does not harm the surrounding unbroken skin if used in uncut areas. It works on a wide variety of materials. This includes KT tape, athletic tape, temporary tattoos, band-aids, and even glitter for those who are having trouble with their latest sparkle-related experiment.

Just about everyone who uses this has fallen for it. However, there are a few things to consider. For instance, more than a few people find the smell to be unpleasant. Others say that while this remover works well, it does about the same level of a job that a typical wipe would do. Another thing to consider is that the bottle is quite large, and users find it difficult to use up. If none of these things bother you, then go ahead and give it a shot! You may also like to see our guide to the best heel inserts so check it out.

Cramer enters the list yet again, this time with the Tape Remover liquid solution. Targeted towards athletes who use sports tape (but versatile enough to be used by anyone looking for something that works), this liquid solution will deactivate tape residue and adherent. An added bonus, the fast-acting formula also replenishes the skin of its lost oils, moisturizing the skin in the process. Athletes will no longer walk around uncomfortable, itching that the residue of their sports tape.

This particular product comes in a 16oz bottle, so it will last a while. A few athletes who have used it have mentioned that you should wash it off before applying a new bandage or more tape. This is because applying new tape to a freshly dissolved area will lead to the tape falling off and being quite useless. Another person asked if it can be used for things other than skin and, while that can be the case for implements which might come into contact with the skin and medical adhesive, using it for something like carpet or wallpaper is probably a bad idea. There is a smell to this liquid solution that can be washed off but will soak into a carpet or the wall.

Cramer Zip-Cut Tape Cutter takes the eighth spot on our list. This lightweight nylon tape cutter is compact and cuts through most kinds of tape effortlessly. It comes in a variety of sizes. The smaller sizes are useful for the lesser bandages or dressings which might require a more delicate touch. However, if you have larger hands or are sporting one of the heavier bandages or dressings, it might be worth looking into the larger sizes of tape cutter. True to its name, the Zip-Cut is safe, effective, and well as good as glide through the tape which needs to be cut. Truly a proper tool for tape removal!

Its nylon body is unbreakable, although the blades will need to be replaced from time to time, as these things go. A reliable instrument, we recommend keeping one in your kit or pocket. Either way, it will always be a good idea to have one at hand just in case the need arises. Athletes can use this to remove the tape from the wrists or the ankles. If you are a trainer considering investing in a new tape cutter, your athletes will thank you! Check out our review of the best trail running gaiters.

We finish our list with Cramer De-Hesive Non-Aerosol Tape Remover. In fact, this is one which Cramer themselves describe as ‘an unsung hero’ in the market of adhesive removers. Coaches, trainers, directors, and players get some of the necessary basics (which are often overlooked) from Cramer, and this adhesive remover is one of the things which Cramer provides them.

A spray of De-Hesive is quick and painless, able to remove adhesive from even Tuf-Skin brand products. This, as you can imagine, contributes to an even more regular athletic program, as athletes will not be distracted by irritation from the adhesive. Cramer proudly refer to their De-Hesive as ‘tried and true’, which any and every athlete can feel confident to have at the ready when it’s time to remove their sports time. This alcohol-based remover has been reformulated so that it is no longer an aerosol, which allows for a more concentrated spray patter with no residual cloud of spray. Our guide to the best anti fatigue mats features more great products like this.